Hatami from Damascus: Syria Victorious over Terrorism

Iranian Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami hailed the steadfastness of the Syrian people and army in their battle against terrorism, expressing confidence that they will achieve a final victory in this path.

From Damascus and in a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, Hatami said: “Not only regional people, but people around the world are indebted to the fight carried out against terrorists in Syria.”

He further expressed confidence that the Syrians have the ability to continue their fight against terrorists until achieving a complete victory and defeating terrorism.

The Iranian defense chief reiterated his country’s support for Syria’s unity regardless of threats and pressure from some countries, which are supporting terrorism.

In parallel, he confirmed that his country stood by the Syrian people and nation since the beginning of war there more than seven years ago and is currently ready to participate in the reconstruction process of the war-stricken country.

"The private sector of the Islamic Republic of Iran has good capabilities and capacities in this regard and can use them in the reconstruction of Syria," Hatami added.

For his part, the Syrian president said Tehran and Damascus must outline plans to improve long-term cooperation in order to enhance the steadfastness of the Iranian and Syrian nations in the face of the enemies' plots.

Al-Assad said the US positions on the Iranian nuclear deal, the imposition of sanctions on Russia and attempts to prolong the war in Syria by supporting terrorists affirm the correctness of the policies pursued by the anti-terrorism axis.

Heading a high-ranking delegation, the Iranian defense minister arrived in Damascus earlier on Sunday to discuss a number of important issues, including the latest regional developments, the fight against terrorism, the strengthening of the resistance axis and the study of strategies for expansion of defense and military cooperation.

In a meeting with his Syrian counterpart, General Ali Abdullah Ayyoub, in Damascus, Hatami warned of extra-regional countries' plots to sow discord in Syria, vowing the Islamic Republic's full support for the war-ravaged country in a bid to preserve its territorial integrity and improve its stability.